American Red Cross Lifeguard Course w/ Waterfront Option

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust is excited to host an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training this summer. This course will feature online coursework and in-person skill work to reinforce the program. Participants will be trained to prepare, prevent, and respond to emergencies in and around the water. There are 5 available slots for Rangeley Lakes Regional School Students to attend with full scholarships (with the remainder of the slots filled by EcoVenture Counselors).

Successful completion of the course will gain participants a 2-year certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. The times related to this course will be heavily dependent on weather.

To enter the course candidates must be 15 years old by the last day of the course and pass the following pre-course swimming skills:

Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.

Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits.

Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.

Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.

Prior to the course the student should commit to honing their swimming skills at a local pool to ensure passing the pre-course swimming skills. Wetsuits are also recommended.

Every day you go to work, you will actively make a difference. Your job makes the world a better, safer place. From the Band-Aid you put on a child’s knee to the swimmer you pull out of the water; you will be helping others. You may have the chance to save a life, need we say more?